This was announced by Brian Wilson, the Education Minister, when he launched the National Centre for Education for Work in Jordanhill last Friday.

The National Centre is supported by the Scottish Office and Scottish Enterprise with the expectation of private sector funding. It is intended to act as a focal point for the disparate elements involved in education for work, such as school-industry links, work experience, enterprise education and teacher placements.

The awards, backed by a high profile multinational, signal the Government’s intention to put work-related activities at “the heart of the curriculum”. A research report commissioned by the Scottish Office, found these were “patchy”. The inspectorate is also embarking on a major study of good practice in 15 secondaries, nine primaries and three special schools.